Diva

L'Espresso

This grand dame of a hotel houses dining treasures galore. The latest dining experience comes from L'Espresso which has started offering a dim sum and cocktails menu, beginning Sep 1.

The original concept comes from Goodwood Park Hotel's Dim Sake Bar - a place that the late-night crowd will be well-acquainted with for its wide variety of alcoholic beverages and bite-sized meals - as the Bar will be making way for the renowned Tatsuya Sushi Dining in Nov 2008.

It is refreshing to enjoy dim sum in the evenings by the poolside. Wind down after a hard day's work with the girls and catch up on the latest gossip as you sit on the terrace softly bathed in ambient lighting, surrounded by lush

greenery. There is also a choice of indoor dining, as the hotel's band - which plays every Friday and Saturday - serenades you and your friends while you sip and dine.

What's more, you're welcome to sit until late, since the menu is available daily from 6pm until 1am daily.

Contact details
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: 6730 1746

Opening hours
Dim sum available daily from 6pm - 1am
(Last order at 12.30am)

Cuisine
Modern dim sum with a twist, as the food can be paired with different types of alcoholic beverages. To further whet your appetite, eight new items have been added to the menu.

Portions
Sizes are easy on the waistline. We recommend sharing as most dim sum items come in two or three pieces. The beverages - there is a wide choice of mocktails and cocktails - come either in full-sized glasses or shots. Share the latter too if you're not on overdosing on the alcohol.

Must-tries (also available on the a la carte menu)
• Potato Dumplings with Chicken Curry ($3++ for two pieces). This dumpling crafted into the shape of a chick will have you cooing in delight. Fried on the outside with a crispy texture, the dumpling oozes with a generous filling of chicken curry that is not too spicy on the palette.
• Pepper beef and ginger chicken in Chinese bun ($7++ for three pieces). The bun is first steamed, then lightly panfried to enhance its flavour. The pepper beef comes in a black sesame bun, while the ginger chicken is presented in the white bun.
• EMW - or East meets West ($15++ for six shots). A delightful combination of Bacardi rum, lychee and cranberry juice to jazz up your food menu with.

Price factor
Dishes start from $4.50++ for three pieces of steamed rice rolls with shrimp and seaweed and $8++ for the deep fried sea perch with mango. With drinks, expect to pay from anything from $30 to $40.

Things you didn't know
The hotel hosts foreign visiting dignitaries often, so you may be in the presence of royalty while you dine there. At our last visit, we heard that a certain member of the British royal family was coming to town.

Verdict
This is the place to head to when you're looking for a classy ambience and warm food, with drinks thrown in. Perfect as well for a night out on the town with the girls, minus the loud music and forgettable pick-up lines.

~Cynthia Loh